Pacers Building Early Chemistry Between Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, and Ivica Zubac

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton and forward Pascal Siakam are rapidly building on-court chemistry with center Ivica Zubac during training camp and the preseason. With both players now healthy, the trio’s early integration in the starting lineup is reshaping the team’s offensive approach. Following a players-only minicamp in Nashville, Tennessee a few weeks ago, the offseason provided their first chance to hit the floor together.

Early Preseason Debut in Ames

The newly formed core played together for the first time on Wednesday night during a preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves held on the Iowa State campus in Ames, Iowa. During the matchup, Zubac set critical picks near the 3-point line in the second quarter, freeing Haliburton for an open shot near the elbow and later a wide-open 3. While Haliburton admitted to some jitters playing in his first NBA action in 472 days at his alma mater, both players noted that game repetitions are already clarifying defensive reads and pick-and-roll timing. Zubac admitted he was initially surprised by Haliburton’s rapid pace after being back on the court, noting he sometimes held the screen too long while waiting to roll, but the pair talked it out after the game. Haliburton added, I know how good of a player he is, and we all are, but I mean, we all were at halftime like, This is going to be a lot of fun. The chemistry is coming along well, Haliburton said. The more we spend time off the court I think helps as well.

Transition from Finesse to Physicality

The dynamic between Haliburton and Zubac marks a stark tactical shift from Haliburton’s previous years playing alongside Myles Turner. Haliburton described Turner as a finesse spacer and shooter, whereas Zubac provides a physical screen-setting presence who rolls hard to the rim and plays above it for lobs. Zubac noted that he was initially surprised by Haliburton’s rapid pace after months away from the court, but the two have discussed their timing to improve their pick and rolls. When Haliburton first entered the NBA, he initially thought the archetype of center he would play with would resemble Zubac rather than Turner, and he expressed confidence in making it work, stating, You put good basketball players around me and I feel like I’ll do pretty well. Zubac also has a reputation around the league as a great person to be around off the court, with Haliburton noting, I’ve gotten to know him really well and he’s a really cool dude, which I’ve heard that from everybody who’s been around him.

Siakam Praises Zubac’s High Basketball IQ

Beyond his scoring acceleration, Siakam emphasized his growing familiarity with Zubac’s positioning and passing ability. Siakam praised the center’s court vision and high basketball intelligence, noting that Zubac’s screening gravity opens up easy cutting lanes and allows Indiana to push the pace in transition following defensive rebounds. He’s an awesome basketball player, Siakam said. He’s a big guy. He’s a massive human being and he’s awful smart. Siakam added, His IQ is super high. Just a phenomenal basketball player, and again, super smart. Siakam also noted that while it is a different kind of gravity, he has played with big guys of Zubac’s size before.